September 09, 2017

International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of
antisemitism
“Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews.
Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish
individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.” Manifestations might include the targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. However, criticism of
Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.
Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to
blame Jews for “why things go wrong.” It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action,
and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits.Contemporary examples of antisemitism in public life, the media, schools, the workplace, and in the
religious sphere could, taking into account the overall context, include, but are not limited to: 1. Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical
ideology or an extremist view of religion.2. Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as
such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth
about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or
other societal institutions. 3. Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed
by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews. 4. Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide
of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and
accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust). 5. Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the
Holocaust. 6. Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews
worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations. 7. Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the
existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor. 8. Applying double standards by requiring of it a behavior not expected or demanded of any
other democratic nation. 9. Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews
killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis. 10. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis. 11. Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.
Antisemitic acts are criminal when they are so defined by law (for example, denial of the Holocaust
or distribution of antisemitic materials in some countries).
Criminal acts are antisemitic when the targets of attacks, whether they are people or property –
such as buildings, schools, places of worship and cemeteries – are selected because they are, or are
perceived to be, Jewish or linked to Jews.
Antisemitic discrimination is the denial to Jews of opportunities or services available to others and
is illegal in many countries. http://www.holocaustremembrance.com/sites/default/files/press_release_document_antisemitism.pdf